Exercising apparatus



J. J. COOPER.

EXERCISING APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. I3, 19x9.

Patented Jan. 11,1921.

3 SHEETS-SHEET l.

\ a INVENTOR 42 WIT/V5885; v JO/v A J COO/ Z7? 1. J. COOPER. EXER CISIN G APPARATUS. APPLICATION FILED SEPT. l3, I919.

Patented Jan. 11, 1921.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2;

PATENT OFFICE. 1

JOHN J. COOPER, 0F STAMEORD, CONNECTICUT.

EXERCISING APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 11, 1921.

Ap plieation filed September 13, 1919. Serial No. 323,521.

To all wkom'c't may concern Be it known that I, JOHN J. COOPER, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Stamford, in the county of Fairfield and State of Connecticut, have invented a new and Improved Exercising Apparatus, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

The object of the invention is to provide a new and improved exercising apparatus arranged to subject the user to the beneficial action of a vapor or Turkish bath, while undergoing gentle physical exertion such as actuating a stationary exercising machine to simulatebicycle riding. Another object is toproduce copious perspiration solely by the action of the vapors but while the, users body is in slight motion and confined within a cabinet. Another object is to provide an exercising apparatus which is portable and arranged for use in the home or in a gymnasium or other place. Another object is to enable the user to readily get in or out of'the apparatus without outside help, and when in the apparatus to control the heat and the degree of physical exertion to suit the users convenience and requirements. Another object is to permit of readily assem bling the parts of the cabinet or disassembling and folding the same with a view to take up very little room for transportation or storing purposes. Q

lVith these and other objects inview, the invention consists-of certain, novel features of construction hereinafter shown and described and then specifically pointed out. in the claims. v

A practical. embodiment of the invention is represented in the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification, in which similar characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all. the views. I

Figure 1 is asectional side elevation of the exercising apparatus with the top frame and hood raised and the doors open; a a

Fig. 2 is. a perspective view of the means for swinging the top frame up or down and holding it locked whenin raised position; i

Fig. 3 is a sectionalside elevation of the exercising apparatus with a person in position in the apparatus;

Fig. 4 is a sectional side elevation of the upper portion of the cabinet with the cover in closed position; 7

Fig. 5 is a sectionalplan View ofthe cabinet casing with the doors open; and

Fig. 6 is a similar View of the same with the parts in disassembled position and with the top removed.

The exercising apparatus in its general construction comprises an'individual cabinet 10, an exercising machine 11 mounted in the cabinet, and a heat and vapor generating means 12 arranged in the' forward portion of the cabinet 10 for heating the latter and filling it with vapor to induce perspiration of the person withinthe cabinet and actuating the exercising machine to produce physical exertion while undergoing perspiration.

The cabinet 10 is in the form of a casing or box-like structure made in two main parts adapted to be joined together in avertical plane extending through the longitudinal median line of the cabinet, as will be readily understood by referen'ceto Figs. 5 and 6.

The'sections of the cabinet casing'comprise.

base portions 20 and 21 towhich are secured the sides 22 and 23 and the front sections 24 and 25. Theback of the cabinet casing is formed by two doors 26 and 27 connected by spring hinges 28, 29 tothe door sides 30 and 31 secured to the base sections 20, 21;

and the sides 22, 23. The spring hinges 28 and 29 are arranged normally to 'holdthe doors 26 and 27 in closed position, and the free sides of the doors 26 and 27 are provided with rabbets 32, 33 engaging one or the other when the doors are closed to provide a tight joint at the doors.

In order to fasten the two casing sections together, use is made of battens 40 and .41 adapted to be secured to the front and back portions of the bases 20 and 21 by the use of screws 42 and 48 to hold the two sections of the casing fastened together. It is understood that when the battens'LO and 41 are removed the two casing sections can besep'arately and conveniently shipped from one place to another. The side 23 is provided with a suitable door 45 arranged adjacent the heat-and vapor generatingmeans 12 to thus give access thereto whenever it is necessary to refill the said means with water or otherwise control the same. I

The casing sections areprovided at the front of the open top with shelf sections 50,

51 secured to the corresponding side 22 and 4 the front section 24; or the side 23 and the front section 25, and the adjacent edges of the said shelf sections 50 and 51 are provided with tongues and grooves 52, 53 to form a tight joint when the casing sections are as sembled and thus provide a shelf practically of unbroken continuity. The top frame .60 is connected by hinges 61, 62 to the shelf sections 50 and 51, and the said frame is pro vided with a flange 63 at the sides and back, fitting over the upper ends of the sides 22, 23 and the doors 26, 27 to provide a tight joint with the casing and to hold the doors 26, 27 in closed position as long as the frame 60 is in its normal position of rest on the top of the casing. it is understood that when the frame 60 is swung upward the doors 26, 27 are unlocked to permit of readily opening the doors for a person to step into the casing or out of the same.

On the rear portion of the top frame 60 is hinged a cover of wood or other rigid material by the use of hinges 81 to allow of swinging the cover from closed position, shown in Fig. 4, into open position, shown in Figs. 1 and 3. The cover 80 is supported in upright position by the use of braces 82 pivoted on the top frame 60 and having hooks 83 engaging pins 84 arranged on the sides of the cover 80. When it is desired to swing the cover 80 into closed position then the hooks 83 are disengaged from the pins 84 to allow of swinging the cover downwardly and forwardly to close the top frame 60. The cover SOis then provided on its outer face with a handle 85 to permit of conveniently swinging the cover into open or closed position.

A hood of canvas or other suitable flexible material is partly attached to the top of the frame 60 at the opening thereof and partly to the under side of the cover 80, and this hood is provided with a detachable neckpiece 91 having a neckband 92 adapted to be contracted by a draw string 93 to snugly fit the neckband around the neck of the user of the cabinet, it being understood that the user projects the head through the neckpiece 91 on entering the cabinet so that the body of the user except the head is confined within the cabinet after the doors 26 and 27 are closed. It will be noticed that the top of the hood 90 is held in an inclined position by the open cover 80 and hence the users body within the cabinet is free of the hood to allow the vapors to completely inclose the body in the cabinet at the time. When the cover 80 is not in closed position the hood 3Q is,1 within the cabinet, as shown in 151g.

In order to permit the user to conveniently swing the top frame 60 into open or closed position, use is made of an inside handle 100, preferably attached to the inner edge of the left-hand side of the said top frame. After the top frame 60 is swung into open position, the operator swings a brace 101 in engagement' with the under side of the top frame at the side thereof, the said brace being pivoted, preferably, at the inner face of the right-hand side of the cabinet. This brace 101 serves to temporarily hold the top frame in open position, and when it is desired to hold the top frame locked in open position use is made of another brace 105 pivoted to the inner edge of the left-hand side of the top frame 60 and extending downwardly with the lower end of this brace provided with a clamping screw 106 slidingly engaging a slotted bracket 107 attached to the inner face of the left-hand side of the cabinet. On screwing up the clamping screw 106 after the top frame 60 is raised, the latter is held locked in raised position. The cover 90 is provided with a normally closed armhole 110 to permit the user to thrust an arm through the armhole to reach the controlling devices 115 mounted on the shelf section 51 and controlling the heat and vapor generating means. The heat and vapor generating means 12 comprises an electric heater 120 of any approved construction, preferably, however, one having a reflector 121, cores 122 and a wire winding 123 connected by electric circuit wires 1241 with a suitable source of electrical energy and containing the'controlling devices 115. It is understood that the user can thrust one arm through the armhole 110 to reach the controlling devices 115 with a view to turn the electric current on or off to start or stop the electric heater. An open vessel 125 adapted to contain water or medicated liquid is mounted over the electric heater so that the heat emanating from the electric heater generates the liquid contained in the vessel 125 into vapor, which fills the cabinet and thus subjects the user to the action of the vapor to induce copious perspiration.

The frame 130 of the exercising machine 11 is provided with a base 131 resting on the base members 20, 21 of the cabinet 10, and the said frame 130 is provided with an adjustable saddle 132 adapted to be engaged by the person making use of the apparatus. The saddle 132 is located adjacent the doors 26, 27 so that when the latter are open and the top frame 60 is raised then the user can readilymount the saddle 132. On the upper portion of the frame 130 is adjustably mounted a handle-bar 133 adapted to be taken hold of by the hands of the user of the exercising apparatus, and a second handle bar 134 is arranged in the upper front portion of the cabinet 10 and attached to the sides thereof to be taken hold of by the user whenever it is desired to do so and especially when the user desires to assume a more upright position. On the frame 180 is journaled a pedal shaft 140 provided with pedals 141 adapted to be turned by the feet of the user seated on the saddle 132 and having hold of either of the handlebars 133 or 134 with a view to turn the pedal shaft 140 and thus induce physical exertion on the part of the user. On the pedal shaft 140 is secured a flywheel 142 to insure steady running of the pedal shaft 140, and the rim of the flywheel 142 is provided on its'peripheral face with an annular groove 143 engaged by a brake shoe 144 pressed on by a spring 145 coiled on a stem 146 rising from the brake shoe 144. The tensionof the spring 145 can be regulated by a screw rod 147 havinga handle 148 and screwing in a bracket 149 forming part of the frame 130. The lower end of the screw rod 147 is provided with a collar 150 engaging the top of the spring 145 to permit of regulating the tension of the spring 145 by the user of the apparatus turning the handle 148 with a view to screw the screw rod downward or upward in the bracket 149. It will be noticed that by this arrangement an adjustable brake mechanism is provided for giving more or less resistance to the rotation of the flywheel 142 thus enabling the user toexercise more or less heavily as desired. A revolution counter and mileage indicator is mounted on the frame 130 and is actuated from the flywheel 142. This indicator is preferably of the audible type to indicate to the user the amount of work performed in actuating the exercising machine.

The doors 26 and 27 are automatically opened on the user swinging the top frame upward into open position and for this purpose the followingarrangement is made: On the under side of the sides of the top frame 60 are secured brackets 160 on which are fulcrumed arms 161 provided with slots 162 engaged by pins 163 held on the forward ends of bars 164 mounted to slide near their rear endsinbearings 165 attached to the sides 22 and 23. The rear ends of the bars 164 abutagainst keepers 166 attached to the inner faces of the doors 26, 27 near the hinges 28, 29, and hence when the top frame 60 is swung upward and the ends of the slots 162 reach thepins 163 and a further upward swinging I movement is given to the top frame 60 then a forward pull is exerted on the bars 164 whereby the doors 26, 27 are swung outward into open position to permit a person to readily enter the cabinet or move out of the same afterthe use of theexercising apparatus. It is understood-that when the frame 60 is swung downward into closed positiomthe doors 26 and 27 are swung shut by their spring hinges 28, 129 and consequently the bars 164 are moved forward to the normal position shown in Fig. 3.

The user of the apparatus can readily vswing the cover 80 upward and rearward and support it in this position by the braces 82, as above explained, and then the user swingsthe top frame60 upward and for Ward and looks it in this position by the use of the braces 101 and 105. On swinging the top frame 60 upward the doors 26 =and27 areautomatica'lly opened, as above explained and the user can now readily step into the cabinet and pass the head through the neck 91 of the hood 90 and mount the saddle The user nextswings the top frame 60 downward, and in doing so the doors 26 and 27 close automatically, thus confining the user except the head within the closed cabinet. The user now actuates the pedals 141 and the brake mechanism thus undergoing a physical exertion of a desired degree and while subjected to the heat and vapors from the heat and vapor generating means 12. It

is understood that the user can readily control the degree of heat within the cabinet by correspondingly actuating the controlling devices 115.

When the operator desires to leave the cabinet, it is only necessary for him to take hold of the inside handle 100 and swing the top frame 60 upward and forward and lock it in this position by the braces 101 and 105. The doors 26 and 27 are opened by the upward movement of'the top frame 60. and the user after withdrawing the head from the neck 91' of the hood 90 can disconnect from the saddle 132 and Step out of the'cabinet. The user or an attendant now closes the cabinet by swinging the to frame60 downward thus allowing the doors and 27 to close, and thenthecover 80 is swung into closed position on the to frame 60 to retain the heat within the cabinet until the latter is again made use of in the manner above described. It is understood that when the cover 80 is swung into closed position the hood 90'is pushed into the upper portion of the cabinet through the opening of the top frame 60. a

By the use of the cover 80 the top of the hood 90 is held in an upwardly and rezurwardly inclined position, thus relieving the user of the apparatus of thesupp ort of the hood. at the same time allowing the heat and. vapors within the cabinet to completely envelop the users body, especially the back up to the neck."

Having thus described my invention 1 claim as new and desire to secure by-Letters Patent:-' V

1. An exercising an individual cabinet arranged for use by a person "and having rear doors, and a top 'rame hinged a-t its forward end, a cover hinged. on the rear of the frame and provided with means for holding'it in upright position. a flexible hood attached'partly to the frame and partly to the cover to hold the hood in an inclined position, the hood apparatus; comprising 7 having-a neck opening adapted to engage the neck-of the person in thecabinet, vapor producing means permanently mounted in the said cabinet for inducing copious perspiration of the person in the cabinet, and an exercising apparatus mounted perma nently in the cabinet to be used by the person in the cabinet to provide physical exertion while undergoing perspiration.

2. An exercising apparatus, COIIIPIISIIIg an individual cabinet arranged for use by a person and having rear doors and a top frame hinged at its forward end, a cover hinged on the rear of the frame and provided with means for holding it in upright position, a flexible hood attached partly to the frame and partly to the cover to hold the hood in an inclined position, the hood having a neck opening adapted to engage the neck of the person in the cabinet, vapor producing means permanently mounted in the said cabinet for inducing copious perspiration of the person in the cabinet, and an exercising apparatus mounted in the said cabinet and having a saddle adjacent the rear doors to allow the user to enter the cabinet and to mount the saddle and to engage the hood while the door is open and the frame is in raised position.

3. An exercising apparatus, comprising an individual cabinet arranged for use by a person and having rear doors and a top frame hinged at its forward end, handles at the inside of the frame to swing the latter upward and forward or downward and rearward, a cover hinged at its rear on the said top frame and adapted to close the said top frame, means for holding the said cover in upright position, a hood of-flexible material attached partly to the said top frame and partly to the said cover, the hood having a neck o ening for the passage of the users neck and adapted to fit the users neck. heat and vapor generating means in the front portion of the said cabinet, and an exercising apparatus mounted in the said cabinet and having a saddle adjacent the said rear doors.

4. An exercising apparatus, comprising an individual cabinet arranged for use by a person and having rear doors and a top frame hinged at its forward end; handles at the inside of the frame to swing the latter upward and forward or downward and rearward, a cover hinged at its rear on the said top frame and adapted to close the said top frame, means for holding the said cover in upright position, a hood of flexible material attached partly to the said top frame and partly to the said cover, the hood having a neck opening for the passage of the users neck and adapted to fit the users neck, means connecting the said doors with the said top frame to swing the doors open on raising the top frame, heat and vapor generating means in the front portion of the said cabinet, and an exercising apparatus mounted in the said cabinet and having a saddle adjacent the said rear doors.

5. An exercising apparatus, comprising an individual cabinet arranged for use by a person and having rear doors and a top frame hinged at its forward end, handles at the inside of the frame to swing the latter upward and forward or downward and rearward, means for holding the said top frame locked when in raised position, a cover hinged at its rear on the said top frame and adapted to close the said top frame, means for holding the said cover in upright position, a hood of flexible material attached partly to the said top frame and partly to the said cover, the hood having a neck openingfor the passage of the users neck and adapted to fit the users neck, heat and vapor generating means in the front portion of the said cabinet, and an exercising apparatus mounted inthe said cabinet and having a saddle adjacent the said rear doors.

6. An exercising apparatus, comprising an. individual cabinet arranged for use by a person and having hinged rear doors normally closed and adapted to' swing outward into open position, the cabinet having a top frame hinged at its forward end, handles on the frame and adapted to be engaged by a person within the cabinet to swing the latter upward and forward or downward and rearward, a cover hinged at its rear end on the rear of the said top frame and adapted to close the said top frame, and a hood of flexible material attached partly to the said top frame and partly to the said cover, the hood having a neck opening for the passage of the users neck and adapted to fit the users neck.

7. An exercising apparatus, comprising an individual cabinet arranged for use by a person and having hinged rear doors normally closed and adapted to swing outward into open position, the cabinet having a top frame hingedat its forward end, handles on the frame and adapted to be engaged by a person within the cabinet to swing the latter upward and forward or downward and rearward, a cover hinged at its rear end on the rear of the said top frame and adapted to close the said top frame, means for holding the said cover in upright position, and a hood of flexible material attached partly to the said top frame and partly to the said cover, the hood having a neck opening for the passage of the users neck and adapted to fit the users neck.

8. An exercising apparatus, comprising an individual cabinet arranged for use by a person and having hinged rear doors normally closed and adapted to swing outward into open position, the cabinet having a top frame hinged at its forward end, handles on the frame and adapted to be engaged by a terin open position, and a hood'of flexible person Within the cabinet to swing the latter material attached partly to the said top 10 upward and forward or downward and rearframe and partly to the said cover, the hood ward, a cover hinged at its rear end on the having a neck opening for the passage 01 rear of the said top frame and adapted to the users neck and adapted to fit the users close the said top frame, a brace pivoted on neck.

the said cabinet and adapted to engage the said top frame to temporarily hold the lat- JOHN J. COOPER. 

